VW Touareg Review: Driving Volkswagen’s Luxury Tank

The Refreshed Face of VW’s Flagship 

There’s a certain honesty to the way the Touareg presents itself. From the outside, the facelift sharpens the LED matrix lights into something more angular, more confident. The new light bar across the rear and front gives it an unmistakable signature when it rolls through dusk. And the sheer size, 4.9 meters long and over two meters wide, means it rarely goes unnoticed, especially when it’s finished in that classy deep blue metallic like mine. 

Opening the hefty doors reveals a cabin that feels like it was built to last the next decade, even if some of the materials won’t win a design award. Sure, you’ll find too many hard plastics where your hands might naturally fall, and the cupholder area could have used a cover. But step back and take in the whole picture, soft leather, solid assembly, quiet dignity, and the atmosphere is unmistakably premium. 

Still, at a price that can climb well over €100,000 when optioned like my test car, you can’t help but expect a little more elegance in the finer details. 

Inside the Digital Sanctuary 

The cabin is now fully digital, anchored by the sprawling 15, inch touchscreen and the “Innovision Cockpit.” There are virtually no traditional buttons left; everything is swipe, tap, or touch, sensitive. That’s both a strength and a weakness. 

Once you get familiar with the interface, there’s a certain logic to it. You can pin your favorite shortcuts, split the screen for different functions, and even adjust climate controls more intuitively than before. But in motion, especially on Rotenberg’s twisty roads, I found myself wishing for physical buttons. The touch, sensitive controls on the steering wheel are particularly annoying, often misreading inputs or needing a more deliberate press. 

That said, there’s no arguing with the overall sense of tech dominance. It feels like a rolling command center, complete with a heads, up display and ambient lighting that subtly changes with drive mode. 

Real, World Performance in the Hills of Rotenberg 

Now to the heart of the beast: the 3.0, liter V6 TDI. It’s the lesser of the two diesels offered in terms of raw power, but it still delivers a very respectable 231 hp and, more crucially, 500 Nm of torque from just 1,500 rpm. That’s the kind of low, end grunt you need to move 2.3 tons of German engineering without breaking a sweat. 

On steep inclines outside Rotenberg, where some SUVs start to groan, the Touareg simply powers up like a cable car, smooth, relentless, and without drama. The ZF 8, speed automatic is buttery most of the time, though it can hesitate slightly under heavy throttle input. Thankfully, you can take over with the paddle shifters, which respond quickly enough to be useful on fast bends. 

It’s not a racer, let’s be clear. But get on the autobahn or a wide open B, road and the Touareg settles into a muscular cruise, feeling solid and unbothered even at triple, digit speeds. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is handled in 7.7 seconds, which feels entirely adequate rather than exciting. 

On tighter curves around the Rotenberg vineyards, I was genuinely surprised by its poise. Thanks to the optional air suspension and electromechanical active roll stabilization, body roll is minimal, and the all, wheel steering tightens up the turning radius significantly. For something this large, it dances better than expected. 

Comfort That’s More Yacht Than SUV 

Comfort is where the Touareg really earns its keep. The air suspension isolates you from the chaos below, gliding over potholes and rough patches like a luxury liner in calm waters. Rotenberg’s narrow cobbled streets felt like tarmac under the Touareg’s tires. 

The seats, trimmed in soft leather and offering full electric adjustment with memory, are some of the best I’ve experienced in an SUV. The rear seats don’t recline, which is a miss, but passengers in the back still enjoy limousine levels of space. Headroom is generous unless you’re pushing basketball, player heights, and the view out is commanding. 

One bonus I noticed when loading up for a weekend ride: the trunk. It swallows 810 liters in standard form and up to 1,800 liters with the seats down. I had camera equipment in the back without needing to force anything. Loading height is adjustable via the suspension, lowering it with a button in the trunk is a subtle touch that makes a real, world difference. 

Consumption: The Catch to Diesel Dominance 

And here’s the caveat. Fuel economy. The official WLTP number is 8.0 liters per 100 km, but over a mix of high, speed autobahn, country roads, and town crawling, I ended up at 8.5 l/100 km. That’s not bad for something this heavy and powerful, but it’s not great either, especially when rivals are edging closer to electrification with better results. 

Still, emissions are tightly controlled. Euro 6e compliance and an updated SCR system mean it’s relatively clean for a diesel. It scored three out of five stars in ADAC’s Ecotest, up from two in the pre, facelift model. But make no mistake, this isn’t an eco, warrior. It’s a long, distance cruiser, and one that drinks accordingly. 

Technical Specifications 

For fact-checked, trustworthy information, we rely exclusively on Volkswagen official online content.

Conclusion: A Refined Diesel Tank With Some Caveats 

The VW Touareg doesn’t dazzle with outrageous features or design quirks. It doesn’t scream for attention, nor does it try to be something it’s not. What it does offer is mature, confident luxury. It moves with strength, rides with grace, and carries everything you throw at it, from weekend bikes to work suits. 

Yes, it could use better interior materials in places, and yes, its fuel consumption reminds you that diesel still has limits. But step into this SUV for a 500, kilometer journey and you’ll walk out the other side refreshed, not frazzled. 

For buyers who want understated performance, everyday utility, and comfort without compromise, this is a very strong contender. Especially if you find yourself weaving through the slopes of Rotenberg.